Adele fans were treated to more than just her soulful voice during her Las Vegas show on May 17. The “Easy on Me” singer, 36, paused between songs to give a heartwarming shoutout to a special someone—her longtime love Rich Paul’s daughter, Reonna Simone Paul, who just graduated from college.
“It is my stepdaughter’s graduation this weekend,” Adele announced to the cheering crowd. “Her name is Reonna. So I love you, darling. Congratulations.”
This touching moment took place at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, where Adele is performing her popular Weekends With Adele residency. Fans captured the moment on video, showing Adele beaming with pride as she shared the news.
Reonna, a Clark Atlanta University graduate, has become the first member of her family to earn a college degree. Adele couldn’t help but express her admiration, saying, “How amazing is that? It’s a f—— vibe.”
While Reonna’s loved ones celebrated in Atlanta, Adele made it clear she was there in spirit. “So they’re all in Atlanta, and they’re celebrating her,” she said. “And obviously I’m here with you — wouldn’t be anywhere else — but I love you, baby. I love you!”
Reonna, who studied psychology at the Atlanta HBCU, shared her own celebratory post on Instagram, reflecting on her journey. “It’s been real CAU… The jewels that I am taking away from this experience are invaluable. This experience has truly been a dream.”
She continued, “In the beginning I had no direction of who I would be or where I would wanna go throughout my matriculation here. When I finally found my way… there was no looking back. Thank you CAU for the culture, community, opportunities and life experiences that money can’t buy. I am forever in debt to Clark Atlanta University. We made it.”
Adele’s relationship with Rich Paul, 42, has been publicly known since July 2021, and it’s clear the singer cherishes her bond with his daughter. Adele, who also shares an 11-year-old son, Angelo, with ex-husband Simon Konecki, has never seemed happier.
Sources told PEOPLE that Adele is thriving both in her career and personal life. “Adele loves to perform and loves her audiences,” an insider shared, adding that she “is happy with her residency.”
The insider also noted that Adele’s relationship with Rich is “solid.” “They help each other and are good partners,” the source said. “Adele loves being with him.”
Another source echoed these sentiments, telling PEOPLE that Adele “has been happy and enjoys her life as a parent and her time spent with Rich.” The couple “like to laugh” and “inspire each other,” making them an enviable pair.
As marriage rumors swirled in November 2023, a source told PEOPLE that Adele was “ecstatically happy with Rich and has never been more buoyant, inspired and secure.”
With her stunning performances and heartwarming personal moments, Adele continues to capture hearts around the world. As one insider put it, “We all want to be as happy as Adele.”
Don’t miss more updates from Adele’s residency and her beautiful moments on stage!